Cal Newport - The Pursuit of Craftsmanship, The Deep Life, Slow Productivity, and a 30-Day Challenge 

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SHOW NOTES The one lesson from comedian, actor, author, and mean banjoist Steve Martin that hit Cal “like a lightning bolt.” [05:40] What does it mean to be living “the deep life?” [08:17] The story of Cal’s Study Hacks blog, why he needed to write his first three books, the unique way he went about securing his first book deal as an unproven 20-year-old, and how he signed with the agent who’s been with him for the past 20 years. [11:20] What was Cal’s focus in high school and college? [24:03] How did Cal consciously set out to sharpen his writing skills in college, and what part have humor and mathematics played in their evolution? [26:14] What advice does Cal have for someone who wants to hone their funny bone for humor writing? [31:14] Fresh thoughts on slow productivity. [40:47] There’s no way to know if someone like Isaac Newton would have achieved greatness had he lived in the present day - when slow productivity isn’t the social default. But are there any contemporary examples of people who have mastered slow productivity in spite of 21st-century distractions? [46:36] These days, Cal is well-known for eschewing the temptations of social media. But why did he initially refuse to sign up for Facebook when it was the shiny new thing everyone was talking about? [53:11] Documents and disciplines Cal and I find instrumental in crafting the lives we desire. [58:41] How Cal integrates seasonality into his routine for ample periods of downtime, where he roams to recharge and reset, and his pen of choice for taking notes both literary and mathematical. [1:06:11] Why Cal and I are big fans of Scrivener software for writing. [1:13:37] How Cal uses Trello to organize tasks under the different hats he wears throughout the day. [1:17:17] Books in the “anti-productivity” category Cal thinks might be worth your while. [1:21:34] Who was John Newport? [1:28:18] Who Paul Tillich was, an explanation of the confusing term “Christian apologist,” and understanding why Cal describes himself as a concentration apologist. [1:30:53] How does Cal focus on contemplation and matters of the soul? Why does he believe someone who’s quick to dismiss a philosophy or religion without trying to understand its most basic foundation does themselves a disservice? What are his thoughts on the takes Sam Harris and Jordan Peterson have on moral frameworks, and what need is satisfied by such contemplations? [1:33:06] Considering the spiritual as an exercise of meticulous craft and creation, and understanding that some materials serve the purpose better than others. [1:41:09] With so many options from which to choose, how might someone who has had either bad experiences with religion, no experience with religion, or no interest in religion explore spirituality? Are we programmed to seek out religion? [1:45:44] Can you make it through Cal’s 30-day digital minimalism declutter? Here’s how to set the rules that are right for you and give it a whirl. [1:54:13] What shutdown ritual does Cal use at the end of his workday? [2:03:06] Parting thoughts. [2:05:07]

You don't make content for the experts and gurus. You make it for the next person coming up the ladder behind you. Excited for this one!

Prof.Cal Newport is a gem to young minds that want to know the power of their inner selves and attain greatness. His book: "Deep Work" is a gem for life's productivity. Honouring the contents in it helped me to finish my PhD program in two years and eight months(2019-2022-Feb 14)... as a medical student. Thank you, Prof.

Two of my productivity heroes ❤️. Four hour work week & Deep Work had a great impact on my life.

I enjoy Cal Newport on every podcast he goes on. Thank you for having him on.

Cal was two years ahead of me in high school, in my sister's grade. Awesome to see him talking to you, Tim.

Tim & Cal, this was such a rich conversation (and I honestly needed to hear a lot of what was covered here). I went in thinking it would be mostly revolving around productivity, structuring life and other similar topics but I REALLY enjoyed the deeper questions and answers towards the second half of the conversation. Big thanks to both for the flow of the conversation, insightful questions and rich answers. Definitely one of my favorite episodes to date!

Slow productivity in a fast world is a true competitive advantage. 🙏🏼💜

Tim's camera shaking is giving me anxiety, but this episode was amazing

I've read multiple of Cal's books. I've always read them in the voice of a man in his 70's. I am flabbergasted by how young he looks! Wise beyond his years.

Always a delight to listen to you two, thanks for this episode! I also wanted to express my gratitude to you & your team for your episodes being uploaded here, too. Makes for very accessible, and always plesant brain meals and enjoyment :)

Great convo Cal & Tim. Oddly enough I’ve found my way to a lot of the practices discussed on my own. Re: schedule shut down complete… First ive heard of it. But I manage my monkey mind through meditation, journaling and wind up/wind down routines. No ridiculous phrases required. All in all, Fascinating stuff. First full episode I’ve listened to since 2019 after eliminating nearly all 3rd party input, so I could get back in touch with who I am. Great stuff, thank you!

Deep Work is an amazing book... it's a read and re-read on repeat.

22:50 generative art 23:00 writing style humour writing 26:00 structure book 27:50 timing 32:30 36:08 slow productivity 101 contemporaries 43:01 54:20 presumption of universality 55:14 roles & values document

This was an amazing discussion between two great thinkers. Though it takes time to consume, but this long content brings out lots of value.

Thank you both so much for this inspiring and thought-provoking journey through meaning, productivity, and living a good life. Much appreciated.

Long awaited podcast. I was waiting for this one for years.

1) Write your little heart out for a period of time. 2l study it for a specific niche, focus or purpose. 3) Find a book whose format you admire. 3) fill in the chapters of that book with your own titles and your information. 4) edit the hell out of it. 5) test it on smart honest people. 6) edit it some more. 7) focus on becoming a super nerd. You need to submit your book to a publisher...because you need someone who can accept ((or reject you so you can learn!))

Excited for this. Thanks Tim!

Great discussion. I really enjoyed it. This is my first time hearing of Cal Newport, but I’m already a fan after listening to this. You guys covered so much territory of interest to me.

One of the best episodes of all time.

40 minutes in and I'm loving everything so far.

Thank you Tim for asking the right questions

Two of my favorite people. Good enough to start a 2 man podcast 😆.

Tim, you choose your interview subjects well.

I am just about finishing listening to So Good They Can’t Ignore You on audible, and was thinking for last 2-3 days if there was a TFS episode with Cal Newport. So it was a shock to see this pop up today. Maybe it’s the law of large numbers, or maybe I am conjuring up this universe with my thoughts “The Secret” style!!

Thanks Carl my favorite when it comes to deep work.

Great episode. Thank you guys !

I found the breaking down into the small concrete actions of the how and why … to be VERY helpful for getting my head around the larger concepts and theories. 🙏

I absolutely loved this episode. Deep, smart, funny, practical and uplifting: gotta like it. Tks ✨

Excellent interview, and it covers all aspects for cal ideas. 👍

Cal Newport is a genius of modern times. I never have enough of his real time wisdom. His mind is a lab where we are invited into. Thanks, Tim, for posting this. B.

really awesome! my two favorite thinkers. didn’t know about Cal’s robot shutdown technique

Loves from Turkey . I'm a huge Cal Newport fan. ✨

Cal is one of the smartest people on this planet at the moment I think

I've applied Cal's ideas to my life and they've been so beneficial to me. Thanks for having him on!

Love this technique rich convo about how to create meaning in life

Always love hearing MJW .. Great Qs Cari .. Lovely interview ..

Deep Work is great. His style of writing makes it an easy and fascinating read.

The ending literally just made me cry 😭

In my experience, the most powerful strategy for radical personal transformation is to identify one basic thing you stop doing.

Great stuff thank you!!!!!!

Totally agreed about the seasonality part.

Cal has forever changed the way I view and consume social media.

Currently reading The Great Quest by Os Guinness. Finding it helpful for the anyone else dealing with faith-based questions and searching for an anchoring Truth. Deals with the importance of meaning.

Please, oh please write this book on slow productivity!!

Great interview as usual, Tim. Small note: The street at Princeton with eating clubs is Prospect, not Nassau.

I wish Tim did more interviews on the receiving end...

Thank you

1:45:15 *How fortunate are the whole hearted believers!

You know you're listening to a good interview when Goffman gets just casually thrown in there.

Wish you could time stamp Tim :) Thanks for the well interview 👍

An incredibly rich conversation. Thank you. Would love it if you two looked into “journey to truth“ podcast if it is not too disturbing or out there for you. Regarding another take, however fantastical, on the foundation and history of how and why things have gone the way they have gone in terms of schools of thought in, through and over humanity. Fascinating stuff, if nothing else. I’m currently making my way to listen to their history of podcasts. It may be a little out there for you guys which would be completely understandable given your intellectual and scholastic foundations.

I experience exactly the same thing at 52:38 “enumeration aneurysm”, did I get that right?😂.

The moral intimation that Cal Newport discusses is the concept of Fitra in Islam. Everyone is born with this moral navigation.

Holy crap 1:24:00 where can i learn more about philosophy of productivity

lol tim you keep hitting the table and my eyes are like "wtf is going on"

Tim. Thanks for this sweet one! Even when I listen to you I always picture you leaning into your mic 🎙 lol. If that’s not a swag (which it is…) then please mind your lower back 😊

1:16 Evernote and Notion!

Tim is your webcam shaking or is it just me?

when you talk around 1h46 the camera moves , just some feedback as its hard to watch . other than that thanks for all you are doing

good video

Dope!

Tim "I was watching comedian in cars" Ferris

STOP SHAKING THE FUCKIN TABLE, TIM..... DAMN.... NEVER GOT CAR SICK FROM A PODCAST BEFORE TODAY....

Apologist (noun: apology) as in “to give a defense” came into English from Latin from Greek.

I did not expect Cal to look like that

I got Tims Voice now! Hes is at the same time the RU-vidr Aculite.

🔥🔥

Hahah great ending. Schedule shutdown complete.

Nuuuuuuuuuuuuu, amazing

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🐐

Do what you Love, the money will follow.

Lex friedman interview Tim ferris

Cal looks young AF for his age. I need his skin care routine.

1:37:00

Im taking a break from work and losing my mind.

is Cal Newport the son of Michael Schur?! :-D Cal looks like a at least 20 year younger version of Michael haha compare the thumbnails of their episodes in the videos overview on Tim's yt channel

1:07:00

55:00

"....I think some of my readers and listeners imagine I just wake up every morning with this... mental karate chop and just like matrix my way through the day...!! 😆 Guilty!!

Sounds like Sam is uncovering what others have before him? And does Sam expect we can ALL find our own way to these first principles?

Done with podcast. Schedule shutdown complete.

Tim compliments “the 10 commandments” as “very helpful”. (1:44:45) I wonder if he would also say each commandment individually is “very helpful”. Or, is his comment merely being respectful of those in his audience who believe that?

HI Tim, HI RU-vid!

Imagine the aliens arriving that are really unorganised 🤣🤣🤣

"Apologia" comes from the Greek. In the Platonic dialogue The Apology, Socrates explained his position to the Greek court in Athens. Of course, they didn't buy it and he was sentenced to death.

MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, EXDPAAAAND!! fuck this shit

How much of this was done asynchronously? Hrmmm….

we need a fight Ryan Holiday VS Cal Newport. Both are prolific authors, but very different in their strategies and tactics.

4-Hour Tidy Room

I went right from reading Schopenhauer to the spiritual discussion, and the Christian aspect of his philosophy (at least in his view of what Christianity means) is precisely the problem you guys are talking about, which I was also seeing in reading it. He takes issue with the Old Testament approach. He's of course known as an extreme pessimist, a deep cynic. I don't see a true spirituality, a true faith in his writings, at least as residing inherently in people.

I do not want to put words into anyone's mouth, but it seems on the religious front that you are both pushing in the direction of orthopraxy over orthodoxy, which does my little heart happy.

Did steve mention that fame comes by selling your soul

Tim, this camera angle makes you look predatory. It's freaking me out.

talk about over thinking ....my god,,just learn about the great humans in history who never had the internet,,no podcast gurus to waste time listening to trying to find some secret formula to success... Michelangelo, Basquiat, Eddison, Picasso, the list goes on... they just got down and did their work ..quite simple really :)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" Proverbs 3 : 5 So much for secular promotion. Glory be to God.

Success is dependent on the action or steps you take to achieve it. Show me a man who doesn't have an investment and I will tell you how soon he'll go broke. Investment is building a safe haven for the future: with the right choice of investment that has at least 1% minimum risk and with an Expert guidance, profit and interest should be 700guaranteed.